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Introduction to Elective 1: Australian voices
This material was prepared by Eve Mayes, Condell Park High School.
Prescription statements
Paper 2 Section I
Rubric
Time management during the exam
Australian voices: Accents and identity
- Description of Australian values
- Reading activity: Australian values - Barrier gap
- Explanation of each value
- Critiquing Australian values
Australian values in your prescribed text
Sample extended response questions
Prescription statements
Module A: Experience Through Language
This module requires students to explore the uses of a particular aspect of language. It develops students' awareness of language and helps them to understand how our perceptions of and relationships with others and the world are shaped in written, spoken and visual language. (Reread English Stage 6 Syllabus, p.74).
Elective 1: Australian Voices
In their responding and composing students explore the ways in which language is used to represent voices in texts. They consider the different types of voices evident in texts and how the creation of a distinctly Australian voice, or voices, affects interpretation and shapes meaning. Students will examine one prescribed texts, in addition to other texts and examples drawn from their own experience.
Paper 2 Section I
All candidates undertaking English (ESL) complete one question in Paper 2 Section I (Module A: Experience Through Language).
In Elective 1: Australian Voices, you will be required to write about the ONE prescribed text that you have studied in class. You may also be asked to write about a related text of your own choosing.
The question may specify the form of the response, which could include an essay, speech, feature article or interview. You should practise composing a range of extended responses in different forms.
High range responses will clearly identify and discuss language forms, features and techniques as the means for representing Australian voice(s). If required to write about a related text, these responses will highlight the interrelationships between their prescribed text and related text.
You should complete past questions for Section II, as well as Paper 2 as a whole in examination conditions to monitor your time management.
Rubric
All HSC examination papers are printed and formatted in the same manner. At the beginning of any question is the rubric, which defines the guidelines or criteria their response will be aligned to in determining the mark for particular questions. It is essential that for every HSC question, in any subject, these guidelines are read and considered before composing a response to any question.
Look at the 2009 HSC English (ESL) Paper 2 
.
In 2009 the criteria for Paper 2 Section I was:
In your answer you will be assessed on how well you:
- demonstrate understanding of how Australian voices or visions in texts shape meaning and affect interpretation
- organise, develop and express your ideas using language appropriate to audience, purpose and form
Time management during the exam
Time your response well to ensure that you discuss your prescribed and related text (if required) and answer all parts of the question.
Section I is worth 20 marks. You should spend 30 minutes on this section.
Timing of each section throughout Paper 2 as a whole is important and you should ensure you have a watch or a clear view of a wall clock to maintain a consistent and appropriate pace in completing all sections of the paper.
You should download copies of past papers and consider the types of questions that have been asked and the text forms that have been specified.
Australian voices: Accent and identity
Consider the place of accents in forming identity in your prescribed text. For some of the prescribed texts, identity comes through not just what Australian voices say, but howthey say it.
Pre-Reading/ Viewing
If someone asked you to describe/ imitate an 'Australian' accent, what would you say?
___________________________________________________________________
Fill the gaps in the following passage below as a prediction exercise. After you have filled the gaps, go to the website Convict Creations . Check your answers and make any changes.
Language and identity in Australia
| variance | identity | men | three | identification | 10 | 80 | |
| working | gender | broad | women | migrants | cultivated | 10 | standard/general |
The manner of speaking is an expression of ___________. It signals _________________ with one group and rejection of another. For example, when soccer player David Beckhamsays, "I want to fank everyone for coming" his substitution of an 'f' sound for the 'th' sound shows pride in his _________ class roots.
In England, accents vary according to class and region. In America, they vary according to race and region. Unlike America or England, Australia has no ________ in speaking according to class, race or region. Instead, the accent varies according to ideology or __________. Two Australians can grow up side by side, go to the same schools, do the same job, but end up speaking English using different words, different grammar and with different accents.
Australia has ________ recognised accents.
- About ______ per cent of Australians speak like ex-prime minister Bob Hawke with what is known as a _______ Australian accent. The broad Australian accent is usually spoken by _______.
- _______ per cent speak like Nicole Kidman with a _________ Australian accent.
- _______ per cent speak like ex Prime Minister Malcolm Fraserwith British received pronunciation or _________ English. Although some men use the pronunciation, the majority of Australians that speak with the accent are ____________.
It is a myth that working class Australians use cockney like David Beckham. It is a myth that Queenslanders speak differently to South Australians. It is also a myth that children of ____________ have distinct accents.
| minority | fart | advertisements | don't | masculinity |
| mix | differently | upper | portray |
Broad Australian Accent
Bill Hunter - Broad Australian English
(Listen to his voice on http://www.convictcreations.com/research/languageidentity.html )
The broad Australian accent is typically associated with Australian ____________. Notable speakers include ex-Prime Minister Bob Hawke, comedian Paul Hogan and actor Bill Hunter. Although the accent is only spoken by a _________ of the population, it has a great deal of cultural credibility. It is disproportionately used in ____________ and by newsreaders.
Very few women use broad Australian accents, probably because the accent is associated with Australian masculinity. If an Australian woman used it, she would sound like a woman partial to a spot of pig shooting or making ______ jokes.
General Australian Accent
Nicole Kidman - general Australian English
(Listen to her voice at http://www.convictcreations.com/research/languageidentity.html )
Around 80 per cent of Australians speak like actor Nicole Kidman with what is known as a general Australian English. These accents are somewhat of a _____ between the broad Australian and cultivated accents. Because they are comparatively neutral in ideology, most of the speakers believe that they ______ have an accent. The speakers realise that they speak __________ to the broad Australian speakers that they associate with Australia as well as the cultivated speakers that they associate with _________ class or elitism.
Cultivated Australian Accent
Cate Blanchett - Cultivated accent
(Listen to her voice at http://www.convictcreations.com/research/languageidentity.html )
The final ten per cent of Australians speak with what is known as a cultivated accent, which sounds a bit like Prince Charles. It is usually spoken by women wanting to ________ a feminine and sophisticated image. Although most speakers are women, some men, such as ex-prime minister Malcolm Fraser, use the accent.
In the past, the cultivated accent had the kind of cultural credibility that the broad accent has today. For example, until 30 years ago newsreaders on the government funded ABC had to speak with the cultivated accent. Since there was a shortage of Australian men able to speak in the accent, male newsreaders were imported from England. (At the time, women were not allowed to be newsreaders on government television.)
How does someone's accent reflect their identity?
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
How has your understanding of Australian voices been broadened through this activity?
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
Download and interactive PDF version of these activities.
Australian values
Consider what "Australian values" are. The focus on "Australian voices" in this Elective requires an awareness of what it means to be "Australian." Some would argue that this entails respect and honouring of Australian values.
Pre-Reading Activities:
Think: What values do you see as important to have a good society? Why?
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
Vocabulary:
Values - ____________________________________________________________
Principles - __________________________________________________________
Description of Australian values
From http://www.immi.gov.au/living-in-australia/values/book/english/lia_english_part1.pdf - p.4
(Published in October 2007 - during John Howard's time as Prime Minister)
"To maintain a stable, peaceful and prosperous community, Australians of all backgrounds are expected to uphold the shared principles and values that underpin Australian society. These values provide the basis for Australia's free and democratic society. They include:
- respect for the equal worth, dignity and freedom of the individual
- freedom of speech
- freedom of religion and secular government
- freedom of association
- support for parliamentary democracy and the rule of law
- equality under the law
- equality of men and women
- equality of opportunity
- peacefulness
- a spirit of egalitarianism that embraces tolerance, mutual respect and compassion for those in need.
While shared to some extent by many other countries, these values and principles have been adapted to Australia's unique setting, shaped and modernised through the settlement in Australia of millions of people from all over the world. Although they may be expressed differently by different people, their meaning remains the same. […]
This statement of shared values and principles does not seek to make everyone the same with the same beliefs. In fact, respect for the free-thinking individual and the right to be 'different' are foundations of Australian democracy.
The aim is to help new residents understand the basic values that have helped to create a society that is stable but at the same time dynamic; cohesive yet diverse.
In Australia, people have many freedoms. However, in taking advantage of these freedoms, everyone is required to obey Australia's laws, which have been put in place by democratically elected governments to maintain an orderly, free and safe society."
Reading activity: Australian Values - Barrier gap
Person (A)
From http://www.immi.gov.au/living-in-australia/values/book/english/lia_english_part1.pdf - p.4
(Published in October 2007 - during John Howard's time as Prime Minister)
[Note for teachers: This passage can be read in pairs as a barrier gap activity. For each of the gaps, person A and person B need to formulate a question to find the answer. For example, person A's first question might be, "What kind of community is maintained by its people upholding shared principles and values?"]
To maintain a _____, ________ and __________ community, Australians of all backgrounds are expected to uphold the shared principles and values that underpin Australian society. These values provide the basis for Australia's free and democratic society. They include:
- respect for the _________ _________, __________ and __________ of the individual
- freedom of speech
- freedom of _________ and ___________ government
- freedom of association
- support for parliamentary __________ and the ___________ ____ _________
- equality under the law
- equality of _______ and ______
- equality of opportunity
- ______________
- a spirit of egalitarianism that embraces tolerance, mutual respect and compassion for those in need.
While shared to some extent by many other countries, these values and principles have been adapted to Australia's unique setting, shaped and modernised through the settlement in Australia of millions of people from all over the world. Although they may be expressed differently by different people, their meaning ________________________________. […]
This statement of shared values and principles does not seek to make everyone the same with the same beliefs. In fact, respect for the free-thinking individual and the right to be 'different' are foundations of Australian democracy.
The aim is to help new residents __________________________ that have helped to create a society that is stable but at the same time dynamic; cohesive yet diverse.
In Australia, people have many freedoms. However, in taking advantage of these freedoms, everyone is required to obey Australia's laws, which have been put in place by democratically elected governments to maintain an orderly, free and safe society.
Reading activity: Australian Values - Barrier gap
Person (B)
From http://www.immi.gov.au/living-in-australia/values/book/english/lia_english_part1.pdf - p.4
(Published in October 2007 - during John Howard's time as Prime Minister)
To maintain a stable, peaceful and prosperous community, Australians of all backgrounds are expected to uphold the shared principles and values that underpin Australian society. These values provide the basis for Australia's ______ and ___________ society. They include:
- respect for the equal worth, dignity and freedom of the individual
- freedom of ___________
- freedom of religion and secular government
- freedom of ____________
- support for parliamentary democracy and the rule of law
- _________ under the ________
- equality of men and women
- equality of _____________
- peacefulness
- a spirit of ___________ that embraces _________, mutual ________ and __________ for those in ___________.
While shared to some extent by many other countries, these values and principles have been adapted to Australia's unique setting, shaped and modernised through the settlement in Australia of millions of people from all over the world. Although they may be expressed differently by different people, their meaning remains the same.
[…]
This statement of shared values and principles does not seek to _______________________ ____________. In fact, respect for the free-thinking individual and the right to be 'different' are foundations of Australian democracy.
The aim is to help new residents understand the basic values that have helped to create a society that is stable but at the same time dynamic; cohesive yet diverse.
In Australia, people have many freedoms. However, in taking advantage of these freedoms, everyone is required to _________________________, which have been put in place by democratically elected governments to maintain an orderly, free and safe society.
Download a Word version of these activities.
Explanation of each value
From http://www.immi.gov.au/living-in-australia/values/book/english/lia_english_part1.pdf pp.5-7
- Respect for the equal worth, dignity and freedom of the individual
All Australians are free and equal and are expected to treat each other with dignity and respect. Commonwealth laws prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, sex,disability and age in a range of areas of public life under the Racial Discrimination Act 1975, Sex Discrimination Act 1984, Disability Discrimination Act 1992 and the Age Discrimination Act 2004. There is a Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission which is responsible for handling complaints under these laws.
Australians reject the use of violence, intimidation or humiliation as ways of settling conflict in our society.
Information online: Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission www.hreoc.gov.au.
- Freedom of speech
All Australians are free, within the bounds of the law, to say or write what they think about Australian governments or about any other subject or social issue as long as they do not endanger people, make false allegations or obstruct the free speech of others.
The same applies to Australian newspapers, radio and television and other forms of media. Australians are free to protest the actions of government and to campaign to change laws.
Freedom of speech allows people to express themselves and to discuss ideas. There are laws that protect an individual's good name against false information or lies. There are also laws against inciting hatred against others because of their culture, ethnicity or background.
- Freedom of religion and secular government
All Australians are free to follow any religion they choose, so long as its practices do not break any Australian law. Australians are also free to not follow a religion. Religious intolerance is not acceptable in Australian society.
Australia has a secular government - it does not have any official or state religion. Governments treat all citizens as equal regardless of religion.
Religious laws have no legal status in Australia and only those laws enacted by parliament apply, for example, in divorce matters. Some religious or cultural practices, such as bigamy (being married to more than one person at the same time) are against the law in Australia.
- Freedom of association
Subject to the law, Australians are free to gather together and to protest against the government or any other organisation as long as the protest is peaceful and does not damage or injure any people or property. The freedom to associate includes the freedom to join or not to join any organisation or group, provided it is legal. Such organisations and groups include political parties, trade unions and social groups.
- Support for parliamentary democracy and the rule of law
Australia is a parliamentary democracy, which means that Australian citizens participate in how the country is governed and how Australian society is represented. Governments are accountable to all Australians. Elected parliaments are the only bodies able to make laws in Australia or delegate the authority to make laws.
Everyone in Australia must obey laws established by governments. Equally, all Australians are protected by the rule of law. This means that no-one is exempt from or 'above the law', even people who hold positions of power, like politicians or the police.
- Equality under the law
All Australians are equal under the law. This means that nobody should be treated differently from anybody else because of their race, ethnicity or country of origin; because of their age, gender, marital status or disability; or because of their political or religious beliefs. Government agencies and independent courts must treat everyone fairly.
Being treated equally means that getting a job or being promoted must be on the basis of a person's skills, ability and experience, not their cultural background or political beliefs. It also means that people cannot be refused service in a shop or hotel or other service facility because of their race, colour, religion, gender or marital status.
- Equality of men and women
Men and women have equal rights in Australia. Jobs and professions are open equally to women and men. Men and women can serve in the military and both can also hold positions in government.
- Equality of opportunity and a spirit of egalitarianism
Australians value equality of opportunity and what is often called a 'fair go'. This means that what someone achieves in life should be a product of their talents, work and effort rather than their birth or favouritism.
Australians have a spirit of egalitarianism that embraces mutual respect, tolerance and fair play. This does not mean that everyone is the same or that everybody has equal wealth or property. The aim is to ensure there are no formal class distinctions in Australian society.
- Peacefulness
Australians are proud of their peaceful society. They believe that change should occur by discussion, peaceful persuasion and the democratic process. They reject violence as a way of changing peoples' minds or the law.
In addition to these values, Australians also pursue the public good and have compassion for those in need. There is a strong community spirit in Australia and Australians seek to enhance and improve the society in which they live.
Many Australians contribute to the community in their daily lives. They may demonstrate this through caring for the environment, lending a hand and working together in times of need in pursuit of the public good.
Australia has a strong tradition of 'mateship', where people provide help to others voluntarily, especially those in difficulty. A mate is often a friend but can also be a spouse, partner, brother, sister, daughter or son. A mate can also be a total stranger. There is also a strong tradition of community service and volunteering.
The values outlined above have been promoted and discussed by Australians over many years. They have helped Australia to welcome and integrate successfully millions of people from many ethnic groups and cultural traditions.
Australia's cultural diversity is a strength which makes for a dynamic society. Within the framework of Australia's laws, all Australians have the right to express their culture and beliefs. But at the same time, all Australians are asked to make an overriding commitment to Australia - its laws, its values and its people.
Critiquing Australian values
Consider the following questions about the construction of "Australian values":
- These values were written down in the Australian Government's Department of Immigration and Citizenship's book "Life in Australia ". What is the book's stated purpose (see page 1)?
- Who is the audience for this book (see page 1)?
- This book was published in 2007. What was the context of the publishing of this book? [Who was Prime Minister? How did the government/ community react to the September 11 attacks in 2001, the Tampa crisis in 2001 and the Cronulla Riots in 2004?]
- Considering the context of this book's construction, what could be some other purposes for writing this book?
- What are the assumptions behind these values about what a 'true' Australian values and believes?
Australian values in your prescribed text
Think about your prescribed text and Australian values. The following questions will help you form statements synthesising your text and Australian values that you can use in your extended response.
- Who are the voices in your text?
- Are the voices in your text distinct from each other? How?
- Do particular voices in your text reflect or appeal to Australian values in their words and actions? Explain your answer.
- How are you positioned in the text to view these voices? Are your positioned to consider any of these voices as breaching Australian values?
- What is the most important Australian value in your text? Explain your answer.
Australian Voices extended response questions
Essays:
- "There are many distinct voices that shape our interpretation of events and situations."
How is language used to represent a distinctly Australian voice in the texts that you have studied? In your answer, refer to your prescribed text and ONE text of your own choosing.
- Discuss the ways in which responders are emotionally connected to the Australian voices presented in your prescribed text and ONE other text of your own choosing.
- Explain how the composers of your prescribed text and ONE text of your own choosing present a range of distinctly Australian voices that influence readers' perspectives on Australian issues.
- "Australian voices are distinct because of their individuality and non-conformity."
To what extent have the texts you have studied explored this idea? In your response you must refer to your prescribed text and ONE other text of your own choosing.
- What distinctly Australian voices have you been able to identify in the texts you have studied? Explain how these voices are presented to the responder, discussing your prescribed text and ONE text of your own choosing.
- Write a reflection on how the distinct Australian voices in the text you have studied have impacted you. Refer to your prescribed text and ONE text of your own choosing.
- How has the study of Australian Voices shaped your perceptions of and relationships with others and the world? In your response you must refer to your prescribed text and ONE other text of your own choosing.
- How is language used to represent voice in the texts you have studied? In your response you must refer to your prescribed text and ONE other text of your own choosing.
- What different types of voices are evident in the texts you have studied? How are these voices represented? In your response you must refer to your prescribed text and ONE other text of your own choosing.
- Is a distinctly Australian voice, or voices, created in the texts you have studied? How does the creation of this voice or these voices affect your interpretation and shape meaning? In your response you must refer to your prescribed text and ONE other text of your own choosing.
- "Persuasive voices change the world."
To what degree have the texts you have studied explored this idea? In your response you must refer to your prescribed text and ONE other text of your own choosing.
- "A voice must be emotive and connect to their listeners to make an impact on them."
Evaluate this statement. In your response you must refer to your prescribed text and ONE other text of your own choosing.
Speeches:
- You are going to give a speech to Year 12 teachers and students about texts on Australian Voices that have made a strong impact on you. Write the speech explaining the effect of TWO texts you have studied on you.
- You have been invited to give a presentation to introduce Year 11 students to the elective Australian Voices. Write the script for your talk in which you describe the Australian voices that interest you. Refer to your prescribed text and ONE other text.
- You have been asked to give a speech at an Australia Day celebration. Write the text of your speech, discussing "the many distinct voices within Australia." Discuss the voices in your prescribed text and ONE other text of your own choosing.
Radio interview/ Panel discussion:
- Write the transcript of an interview between a radio host, Carmel Bird and the composer of ONE related text of your own choosing. Discuss how the two texts project Australian voices.
Feature Article:
- Write a feature article for your local community newspaper about "Australian Voices". In your article, discuss the voices in your prescribed text and ONE text of your own choosing.
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